Upon seeing the ASEAN Hive Community Challenge 158 this week, I got excited and decided to participate. The topic is called Forever Friends. Perhaps I've talked about my besties here in the past, but I'd like to share stories of our friendship. Let's start! :)

Despite going to multiple schools in elementary, high school and university, I actually only kept in touch with a few people. When I see others by chance, I don't hesitate to say hello and catch up. I'm not picky when it comes to people, but I prefer being with someone I'm comfortable with.

Although I have some close-knit friends from university and high school, I consider these two not only my besties, but also my siblings. Allow me to introduce both of them, starting with my male bestie. ^^

My Beast Friend, Arniel

During the first half of the second semester in high school, my family and I transferred from the countryside to the city. I had to switch schools, but it went smoothly, maybe because I'm kind of used to being the transfer student.

During our last year of high school (fourth year), I was asked by our math teacher to represent the school in a math competition together with two other students from the other class. I didn't want to do it, but I had no choice. haha

When I went to a room next to the faculty for the contest briefing, I met this guy alongside another student. His name is Arniel, and the other one is Kenneth. Our supposed to be math trainer was MIA, so instead of checking the notes he left us, Arniel and I were getting to know each other while Kenneth, whom we call "Relax," took a nap. hahah

Do you know that feeling that even though it's your first interaction with someone, it didn't feel like it? That's what I felt at that time. It was as if we'd been friends since forever!

I guess it's because we had so much in common. We both love anime, gaming, and we listen to the same kinds of music. We weren't classmates, so we didn't have a lot of chances to hang out or talk, but we exchanged numbers and continued being friends even until after our high school graduation.

We initially didn't go to the same university, but we continued playing online games together. My mom was shocked to find out about it just a few years ago. I did stop gaming when my grades started slipping. haha

I underwent surgery in my third year of university, and he was one of my emotional supports. My mom and he kept on texting each other for updates, although they hadn't really known each other that much at that time.

I transferred universities due to a change in curriculum, and I went to his. He guided me around on my first day and introduced me to some people. It really helped me a lot with my transfer.

There were days when our schedules aligned, so we'd go home together. He'd take me home and play with our dog during that time. He also started getting closer to my family and was considered their son.

Fast forward years later, he finally proposed to his girlfriend, who was also my friend and classmate in high school. I was aware of their love story from the beginning. He asked me to be a bridesmaid in his wedding.

My parents also became their godparents during their wedding, so now, we're a family. Their family became an extension of ours and vice versa.

We tend to celebrate special days together... they also come and visit even on regular days when both our schedules permit. We still play games (mobile) together, and discuss anime or manga from time to time. Nothing really changed much from high school. Only that, he's not just my best friend... but my sister brother. hahaha I love this Bayeeet so much!!! Of course, the same goes for his family, especially Navee. <3

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My Bestie, Marielle

Marielle and I were classmates during our first year of university. We weren't that close at first. I usually went with a group of friends who lived in the dorms and boarding houses behind the campus, since I also used to live in one. She also belonged to another friend group.

Her closest friend at that time, Niña, happened to be my cousin's high school friend. I became close with her, too... and since they were always together, I ended up getting to know my bestie better.

Niña went to the US during our second year... Marielle and I also ended up in different classes. However, Niña used to send us letters... When we received one from her, my bestie and I ended up spending time together.

I don't know when it actually started, but hanging out with her despite being in different classes became the most natural thing to do.

She's also an only child like me, and we happened to live in the same city. Because of that, we ended up hanging out with each other even during our vacation. She'd come to our previous house and we'd hang around on the roof.

We both transfered universities, but we went to different ones. Despite that, we'd set up a date to meet and go home together. We both love Japanese anime and idol groups during that time, so we'd watch concert DVDs together and fangirl a lot!

We love going to cosplay events together! We both used to work the night shift at that time. The events were mostly on the weekend, so after working the night shift on a Friday night, we'd meet up somewhere for breakfast, freshen up a bit and go directly to the event. Who cares about sleep, right? hahaha Yes, we were that crazy back in the days.

We went on several adventures together, too. We climbed mountains, went to some falls, beaches, a cold spring, and so on. I'm not that keen on travelling, but doing so with her has always been enjoyable.

Her family migrated to the US several years ago, but the distance and time difference can't stop us. Modern technology comes in handy during these situations.

And just in March this year, she and her hubby came to the Philippines for a vacation. She took me on a day trip to Bohol together, and it was awesome. She's definitely one of my favorite people in this world.

She's not only my best friend, but also my sister. She has helped me and my family a lot, and I'll always be grateful to her. She's our precious family... together with her hubby and Blue, their lovely fur baby. And we love them so. <3

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I may not have been blessed with a sibling, but I found my brother and my sister from another family. hahah

We can't choose our family, but I don't believe so. I found a family in them, and they chose me to be a part of theirs.

I'll end it here, otherwise, I won't be able to stop. hahah Thanks for reading. See you around!